Ukraine bestows civil decoration on EC Vice President Dombrovskis

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has presented European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis with the Ukrainian Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise for his contribution in strengthening relations between Ukraine and the European Union and supporting Ukrainian sovereignty, LETA was informed by Dombrovskis' adviser Maija Celmiņa.

''I am deeply honored and humbled by the award of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. I see it as my duty – and that of the European Commission – to support Ukraine, its economy and its people on their path to a closer place in Europe. This will benefit Ukraine, as well as the stability and security of the region,'' Dombrovskis said during the ceremony.

''We will continue our support, but in truth the hard work has been, and will continue to be, the sacrifice and the vision of the Ukrainian people. It is they who have chosen this path toward prosperity, democracy and human rights,'' Dombrovskis added.

Dombrovskis is currently in Ukraine to participate in memorial events dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Maidan demonstrations.

Dombrovskis also carried a message from the EU, saying that continued financial support for Ukraine is contingent on further anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and tax reforms.

His visit is overshadowed by criticism leveled against Ukraine after its Constitutional Court abolished criminal responsibility under an illegal enrichment law February 26.

Former Prime Minister and current European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis was recently confirmed by the New Unity party to carry the party's hopes of a revival at the European Parliamentary elections, supported by sitting MEP Sandra Kalniete and party leader Arvils Ašeradens, until recently the Latvian Economics Minister.